“I would love to have online support but I don't trust it”: Positive and negative views of technology from the perspective of those with eating disorders in Canada

Abstract

This qualitative study aims to explore how individuals who are seeking help and support for eating disorders use various forms of technology. Fifteen participants, recruited from an Eating Disorder Program in a hospital setting and an eating disorder community support centre, voluntarily participated in focus groups and individual interviews in 2015. The authors used thematic analysis to code and analyse the qualitative data, and three themes were identified: safety, connection and technology development. This study identifies the need for technology use to be addressed and integrated into clinical services for eating disorders, as well as for safe and helpful technology tools to be developed for this population.

Patient Experiences Using a Self-Monitoring App in Eating Disorder Treatment: Qualitative Study

“…These might be explained by patients’ ambivalence toward dismissing the ED [ 21 ], patient-reported inadequate amounts of clinician support [ 2 , 22 ], and a lack of patient buy-in to treatment, that is, patients disagreeing with the rationale of the given ED treatment [ 23 ]. Additionally, filling in a pen-and-paper diary and bringing it to treatment sessions seems to be outdated, which is supported by patients requesting digital alternatives [ 24 , 25 ].…”

“…However, studies have identified patient-reported benefits of ED management apps; in qualitative studies conducted by Basterfield et al (N=15) and Juarascio et al (N=11), and a usability study with qualitative elements conducted by Nitsch et al (N=9), participants found ED management apps to be convenient and easy to adopt [ 37 ]. They also appreciated the option of adjusting the apps to fit their individual needs [ 24 ] and found in-app social support from peers and professionals to be helpful in recovery [ 24 , 25 , 37 ]. However, these findings were based on small samples, in 2 studies, participants without clinically diagnosed EDs were included [ 25 , 37 ], and in the third study, participants did not use but simply discussed a suggested app [ 24 ].…”

“…They also appreciated the option of adjusting the apps to fit their individual needs [ 24 ] and found in-app social support from peers and professionals to be helpful in recovery [ 24 , 25 , 37 ]. However, these findings were based on small samples, in 2 studies, participants without clinically diagnosed EDs were included [ 25 , 37 ], and in the third study, participants did not use but simply discussed a suggested app [ 24 ]. Therefore, to ensure an optimal usage of ED management apps facilitating patients’ recovery by engaging them in treatment, we still need knowledge on patients’ experiences and preferences with these apps.…”

Using technology to support the emotional and social well‐being of nurses: A scoping review

“…In recent years, there has been a rapid growth in the use of technology, accessible in a variety of formats, to deliver emotional and social support for various populations (Marin et al, ; O'Connor & Andrew, ). This literature has focused on a range of patient groups, rather than nurses (Basterfield, Dimitropoulos, Bills, Cullen, & Freeman, ; Flickinger et al, ; Horgan, McCarthy, & Sweeney, ; Huber at al., ; Nicholas et al, ). Across these diverse demographics, online peer support has been identified as an accessible and useful means of receiving advice and help, sharing information and reducing stigma around certain health conditions.…”

Using technology to support the social and emotional well‐being of nurses: A scoping review protocol

“…The use of online technology to facilitate emotional and social support for various populations has seen a rapid growth in recent years and has been made accessible in a variety of mediums (Marin et al, 2016;O'Connor & Andrews, 2016). Previous studies have investigated the provision of online peer support for individuals with eating disorders (Basterfield, Dimitropoulos, Bills, Cullen, & Freeman, 2018), people living with HIV/AIDS (Flickinger et al, 2017), university students with depressive symptoms (Horgan, McCarthy, & Sweeney, 2013), prostate people with cancer (Huber et al, 2018) and fathers of children diagnosed with brain tumours (Nicholas et al, 2012). Across these diverse demographics, online peer support has been identified as a useful and accessible means of giving and receiving support, sharing information, and reducing stigma around certain health conditions.…”